COVID-19 News: Older Adults And The COVID-19 Vaccine In Fairfax

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

01/23/2021 9:08 AM

Since the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the Fairfax Health District in late December, thousands of local residents received their first dose. These include health care workers, frontline essential personnel, and older adults.

Public health teams have been working to get all the available vaccines administered as quickly as possible, but it will take time to vaccinate everyone who is part of a group targeted for vaccination as it can take months to get through each priority group.

“The COVID-19 vaccine campaign is complex,” said Jesse Habourn, public health emergency management coordinator, Fairfax County Health Department. “The vaccine requires unique storage, specific handling, special training for vaccinators, and vaccination spaces and appointments that keep people socially distanced and safe. Vaccine supply fluctuates week to week from the federal level to the states and down to the locals, which adds an additional layer of complexity. And, all vaccination planning is doubled because each person requires two doses.”

Vaccination is a community-wide effort. Hundreds of health care volunteers and workers have been specially trained and mobilized to assist with the process. Community partners such as Inova and Reston Hospitals are contributing to efforts to get people vaccinated.

“Vaccinating our community is something we can do to get our lives back to normal,” said Dorothy Randazzo, a public health nurse who has served in many roles during the pandemic to help people in Fairfax. “My Health Department colleagues are working tirelessly toward that goal.”

Quick Facts for Older Adults about COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

• Vaccine eligibility is occurring in phases per the CDC and Virginia Department of Health. Find more information about vaccine rollout in the Fairfax Health District at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19 (The Fairfax County Health Department serves the entire Fairfax Health District, including Fairfax City and City of Falls Church.)
• As more vaccine becomes available, there will be more options where to access it. In the future, you will likely be able to access vaccine via your doctor, a health clinic or pharmacy.
• It takes two doses. Follow the directions of your vaccine provider to schedule your second dose.
• One caregiver can attend a vaccine appointment with their loved one.
• Vaccine-eligible people can register for appointments online OR over the phone (no need to do both).
• Online: Fairfax Health District webpage at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19. Click on “Vaccination” at the top of the page and you will see registration information. After your registration is accepted, a scheduling link will be sent to you as vaccine becomes available.
• Call: 703-324-7404 to register for a vaccine.

Vaccine Appointment Tips

• Take a picture of your vaccination card. That way you won’t have to worry about misplacing it.
• Wear a mask to the appointment.
• Download and use v-Safe, an app that helps you report any reactions you are having to the vaccine. Learn more: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html

Vaccine and People with Disabilities

Fairfax follows the Virginia Department of Health guidance regarding who can be scheduled to receive the vaccine during each phase. There is no category specifically for people with disabilities. Recently, Virginia’s Governor Northam included “People Ages 16-64 with High-Risk Medical Conditions or Disability that Increases their Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19,” into Phase 1b to provide vaccine access for this specific group. It is likely that people with disabilities will fall under various subgroups.

Fairfax City will work with the health department to ensure the vaccine is accessible to everyone when it is their turn. If you need any accommodations to receive your vaccine, please notify your vaccine provider when you make your appointment.

Additional Information

• What to Expect After You Get Vaccinated

Health and Safety Measures

Even after you are vaccinated, you must continue to follow health and safety protocol. The CDC has given clear direction that individuals should still wear masks, stating “it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like wearing masks, washing hands often, and social distancing.” Please continue to practice health and safety measures:

• Wash your hands.
• Wear face coverings.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Maintain 6 feet social distance.
• Stay home when sick.

Stay Informed

• Call the Fairfax Health District health department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions; open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
• Learn more about COVID-19 on the Fairfax Health District health department COVID-19 webpage or FAQ page.
• Follow the Health Department Facebook Page.
• Follow @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.